By Fatou Bojang
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Tourism Security Unit of The Gambia Police Force arrested 11 Nigerian nationals, aged between 22 and 34, suspected of engaging in sex work.
The raid highlighted the ongoing challenges of human trafficking and exploitation in the region, with victims often trapped in a cycle of debt and coercion.
The operation, conducted on Friday, was part of a broader initiative to combat crime and illegal activities within the country. According to preliminary reports from the police, these women had been operating discreetly, making it difficult for law enforcement to detect their activities unless they received specific complaints from the community.
Authorities revealed that many of the suspected sex workers are lured into the trade by more experienced individuals. “These seasoned workers subject newcomers to spiritual initiation, which may involve taking oaths or sending their photographs to shrines. Such rituals are intended to bind the women to their debt, with threats of madness or death looming over those who fail to reimburse their travel expenses,” Authorities said.
The state police stated that among those arrested were a widow and mother of three, known as ‘Happiness.’ According to her, she lamented her harrowing journey to The Gambia, which she undertook by land with the help of an agent. Happiness stated that she was obligated to repay her employer a total of D200,000 (approximately Two Hundred Thousand Dalasis) for travel costs.
She claimed to have paid D120,000 but was expelled from her living situation after being accused of theft; she said her boss subsequently demanded that she surrender her savings. Describing her street work, Happiness indicated that she could earn between D2,000 and D3,000 per night, depending on demand. While she aimed to save money to return to Nigeria and support her family, she also faced the pressure of repaying her former employer.
When questioned about her awareness of the circumstances surrounding her trafficking, Happiness admitted that she and two other women were informed about the situation. The others opted out to learn about the spiritual obligations involved, but she consented, driven by her need to provide for her children. She lamented that many of her peers were misled, believing they would find legitimate employment opportunities.
The Gambia Police Force has stated that the arrested individuals will be transferred to the Police Special Investigation Unit for further inquiry into their circumstances and the broader implications of human trafficking in the area. This incident underscored the urgent need for heightened awareness and intervention strategies to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.
